10k should buy you a 2000 plus model, which is what i would go for. the 4l80 trans doesnt have any weak points i would say, it just wears out in the normal time that autos do. the 96-2000 454 just have injectors wear out sometime, they are the newer style so much better than the 96-2000 350'*. they used the 4l80 to current but some of the ones after 07 have 6l80. any 2500 is going to live longer and be happier towing that much, there are alot more parts that go into that rating than just the engine or trans. you cant really go by the oem rating for half tons that has shot up lately, its more about sales than engineering

you know if they dont post the miles its bad. and if its got hydraulic brakes, reinforced hitch you know they towed at least at the limit maybe more, and if its got tire chains you know its going to be rusty underneath

the seat color also indicates its been sitting outside, but to me its all pluses because you dont get that up here. you know it has been in the hot area its whole life. half the craigslist ads i look at dont list what engine it has, i hate that. the only thing to me that looks a little funky is the attitude of the rear end, make sure they didnt do anything funky or the air leveling isnt messed with if it has that. they are really high failure rate on those and alot of people change them to something else. some of the systems just look like shocks with wires on top if you are not familiar

I'm feeling your pain. My '94 Dodge Dually is showing her age and a few holes in the frame have rusted through. I've been looking for a nice 2500/3500 in the same year range as you and can't believe how hard it is to find something nice looking and lower miles for under $10K.